Well, I pulled the trigger a few weeks back and picked up a Command Post, so I could take all three little ones with me (though I still plan on using my Voyageur when it’s just a few of us). I was also happy to make my maiden voyage the other night, as the first few weeks it was used as a fort, reading space, home for “Littlest Pet Shops” and most notably a dance hall with the kids plug in disco ball 
Here are my observations after one outting…
Set up and tear down is a snap (I can literally do it in two minutes or less), though I’m sure it’s a bit trickier when the wind is blowing. Because the wind was down, I didn’t even need the ice anchors…just a bit of snow on the flaps.
Relatively warm temps (upper 20s dropping to upper teens by the time we left) and little wind the other night, but my Big Buddy kept it plenty warm.
Set up the holes in the circular fashion on one end and kept all of the gear/heater on the other. I now think the better way to go would be to drill six holes in a straight line (I don’t fish with all three kids…six holes is plenty to keep up with) along one side and use two lanterns to light. That way, the holes provide a “barrier” to keep kids from getting burned by the lantern. Also, when they need to get up, they can back away from the holes and don’t have to step over them (especially after the surface starts getting a bit slick)…don’t need a broken leg or wet feet. This setup will allow me to stand behind them to keep on eye on what’s going, plus make it much easier access helping each of them.
The best part is that my kids enjoyed the ice fishing experience much more, because they felt they had a lot more freedom to move around then when we’re crammed into my Voyageur. In turn, that meant they were willing to fish longer…despite the slow catching 
Considering it is only one outting, I’m very pleased and feel the investment to be able to spend quality time with all three of my future fishing buddies was well worth it. Only complaint so far, was the stitching on one of the shoulder straps on the carrying case was half undone right of the the box…I’ll have to deal with GM or Clam on that.
Can’t wait for the next trip…
Jim
><(((>
